Ruby Chocolate: A newer variety made from specially processed ruby cocoa beans. It has a pinkish hue and a unique berry-like flavour. Once connected, melt dark chocolate candy melts, add to piping bag and drizzle over your chocolate bombs Harvesting Cacao Beans: The journey begins on cacao farms in tropical regions near the equator, where cacao trees bear large pods. Farmers harvest these pods, which contain cacao beans. The beans are extracted from the pods and covered in a sweet, mucilaginous pulp; Heart Health: Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of dark chocolate may have cardiovascular benefits, such as improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure;

Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich and intense, with a deep cocoa flavour. The bitterness is balanced by a subtle sweetness, creating a sophisticated taste. When melted and solidified, dark chocolate forms a smooth and glossy finish. It provides a satisfying snap when bitten into and complements the creaminess of other ingredients. In this case, it’s used for the outer shell of chocolate spheres due to its robust flavour;Place the bowl with the chocolate over the boiling water and carefully whisk the chocolate until melted. Continue heating and whisking until an inserted candy thermometer reaches 90ºF. Remove the chocolate from the heat and turn off the stove. Tempering: Tempering is the process of carefully cooling and reheating the chocolate to ensure the formation of stable cocoa butter crystals. Proper tempering results in a glossy finish, a satisfying snap when broken, and resistance to melting at room temperature;

Fermentation: After extraction, the beans are left to ferment. This crucial step enhances the flavour profile by allowing microorganisms to break down the pulp. Fermentation usually takes around 5-7 days and is a crucial phase in developing the chocolate’s distinct taste; If you don't want to use coarse sugar on top, you can use crushed candy canes or other candies or sprinkles. Pipe melted chocolate: Use leftover melted chocolate. Add to a piping bag or small Ziploc bag. Cut a small hole at the end of the piping bag (or one corner of the Ziploc bag). Squeeze chocolate around the rim of the bottom sphere and simply place the other sphere on top. Using your finger, smooth the chocolate out. (leave as is or add sprinkles or crushed candies) Quality Matters: The health benefits are most prominent in high-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Cheaper and highly processed chocolate may not offer the same advantages. Calorie and Sugar Content: Many commercial chocolate products, especially milk chocolate and chocolate candies, can be high in calories and added sugars. Excessive consumption of these can contribute to weight gain and other health issues;Christmas Sprinkles: Christmas sprinkles are typically sugar-based and add a sweet, crunchy texture. They come in various shapes and colours, adding a festive and playful element. The sprinkles contribute a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the chocolate. Place the melting chocolate wafers in a heat-safe metal or glass bowl, or the top pan of a double boiler. Candy melts can be used (and don’t require tempering – just melting) but they will change the flavor of the hot chocolate bomb. My daughter and her friends loved the flavor of our pink hot chocolate bombs made with pink candy melts, so it really comes down to personal taste preferences.

Create the ultimate Bailey's hot chocolate drink with these fabulous hot chocolate bombes! Made just for adults, these boozy Bailey's flavoured hot chocolate bombes and filled with mini marshmallows for the perfect treat.Let’s prepare the ganache: chop the chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the cream until it comes to a simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Cover the bowl with some cling film or foil and let it rest for 5 minutes without mixing. After the 5 minutes have passed, remove the film and whisk gently until all the chocolate has melted, then add the Baileys and combine. Set the ganache aside to rest until you are ready to use it.

Measure 1 Tablespoon of the mocha hot cocoa mix into half of the chocolate spheres. Add a Bailey’s truffle to the center of the sphere and then surround with a few mini marshmallows, if desired. De-mould the spheres and fill each half with some Baileys chocolate ganache and mini marshmallows, then using some extra dark chocolate, put two halves together and place in the fridge until solid. Baileys, often referred to as Baileys Irish Cream, is a popular and iconic liqueur that originated in Ireland. It is renowned for its smooth and creamy texture, as well as its distinctive blend of flavours. Baileys is a cream liqueur that combines Irish whiskey, cream, and a hint of cocoa and vanilla. Baileys: Baileys Irish Cream introduces a delightful combination of Irish whiskey, cream, and a hint of cocoa. It adds a smooth, boozy flavour with a touch of sweetness to the Baileys hot chocolate bombs. It contributes to the overall creaminess of the ganache, enhancing its texture and mouthfeel. It helps create a ganache with a distinctive, luxurious character. Baileys not only infuses the ganache with its unique flavour but also brings a festive and indulgent twist. It complements the chocolate and cream, adding depth and complexity to the filling of the Baileys hot chocolate bombs. Place a skillet over low heat. (Alternatively, you can place a heatproof plate over a pot of boiled water.)If any of the spheres are uneven or have uneven edges, gently rub the open edge of the sphere on the skillet to create a smooth edge.